Care about the friendship
You are building the relationship to facilitate your business. Do not, however, allow that motivation to prevent you from doing the very thing that will make the business relationship stronger, building a friendship.
While most businesses do not encourage friendship building, it is a natural part of business. With international business it can be even more crucial. You are in a more dependent, trust-requiring setting working overseas. Friendship can make the difference in success or failure.
Seek for culturally appropriate ways to enhance your friendship.